Acts of kindness

We are all in this life together, and simply being with or helping another creates just as much gratitude in the giver as the receiver.

by Dr. Nicholas Meyer — 

The book Chicken Soup for the Dental Soul, edited by Jack Canfield, will touch the hearts of those who read the stories. And in our office, not a week goes by that we do not hear our own stories. I have noticed over the past couple of years, however, that the stories have taken on a decidedly different flavor.

Many discussions now revolve around the heartaches of a down economy and how these turbulent times have taken a toll on all of us, in varying degrees. In spite of these hardships, we continue to witness and participate in acts of kindness that touch the lives of those around us, the way a single candle lights up a dark room at night. I have several older patients who love to come by the office, just to get a cup of hot coffee and a hug.

Dentistry is a scientific discipline that is anchored in humanness and compassion. Few practitioners would refuse to take care of an emergency even if someone had little or no means to pay the fee. Many practitioners regularly contribute their resources in order to give back to the community.

Our patients are those we see at church, in the grocery store or at a ball game. We are all in this life together, and simply being with or helping another creates just as much gratitude in the giver as the receiver, which gives both parties those warm and fuzzy feelings.

Nicholas Meyer, D.D.S., D.N.M., is a general dentist in Scottsdale, Ariz., who has a special interest in developmental disturbances of the facial complex that contribute to such maladies as TMJ, snoring and sleep apnea. 480-948-0560, drmeyer@milldental.com or www.milldental.com.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 30, Number 5, Oct/Nov 2011.